We recently wrapped up the 2016 legislative session and I am pleased to report that we accomplished so much this year, including getting 10 of my bills signed into law. Throughout the year, we made historic gains that will provide a better quality of life for all Californians.

At the start of the year, we passed a package of major health care reform bills to secure federal funding for Medi-Cal and increase funding for developmental disability services by over $300 million. Later, we passed a historic minimum wage law, increasing California's minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2023. These were major victories for families across the state struggling to make ends meet.

In the final days of session, we passed two climate bills to further reduce our emissions and make sure our largest reduction programs are held accountable. We also agreed to an aggressive and responsible cap-and-trade spending plan that will provide ongoing funding for transit and housing programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help Californians obtain clean fuel vehicles and access renewable energy.

As for my legislative accomplishments this year, I'm proud to report that two of our victories came directly from folks like you in the district! Assembly Bill 2442 (AB 2442) was signed into law and will give local governments the ability to provide housing developers density bonuses if the housing development sets aside ten percent for former foster youth, disabled veterans, or formerly homeless individuals. Additionally, Assembly Bill 2552 (AB 2552), which provided additional financial support for relative caregivers of foster youth, was adopted into our state budget and implemented immediately. You can see the full update on my legislation here[2].

The successful year was not limited to Sacramento. Just last week in Los Angeles, as chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Regional Transportation and Interconnectivity Solutions, I hosted an oversight hearing, "Funding Transportation: Meeting the Challenge," to discuss and address timely transportation issues for the region and state.

Earlier in the year we partnered with The Education Trust-West to host an informational briefing, "Black Minds Matter," to discuss educational disparities facing California's nearly one million black youth; worked with the California Contractors State License Board to host "Senior Scam Stoppers" seminars; and teamed up with the California Board of Equalization to provide families with free tax preparation services.

While the legislative session has ended, there is still much more work to be done at the Capitol and in the district. I look forward to keeping you up to date on our progress, and I hope to see you at our upcoming Living with Urban Wildlife Community Meeting on October 18.

AB 2068 (Chapter 245, Statutes of 2016) – Updates the law to accommodate newer forms of technology and protect aspiring artists when communicating with talent agencies.

AB 2248 (Chapter 103, Statutes of 2016) – Streamlines the credentialing process and provides greater reciprocity with other states so that highly qualified and experienced teachers can easily teach in California.

AB 2442 – (Chapter 756, Statutes of 2016) - Adds housing for foster youth, homeless individuals, and disabled veterans as a possible criteria for a developer to obtain a Multiple Density Bonus from a local government for constructing housing in that community.

The 2016 Young Legislators Program[4] concluded with a summer road trip to Northern California that included visits to Facebook headquarters and the State Capitol building. Day one of the two-day road trip involved a tour of the Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park followed by a panel discussion with members of Facebook’s government affairs team. Day two brought the students to the California State Capitol where they toured the building, spent some time with me on the Assembly Floor, and sat in on the Senate Education Committee hearing.

I had the privilege to honor South Pasadena’s Maricela Guzman, a Navy veteran who served overseas from 1998 to 2002, as the 2016 41st Assembly District’s “Veteran of the Year.” Not only has her service to our country been exemplary, but her work today continues to improve the quality of life for our military veterans. Ms. Guzman served in Diego Garcia and Italy before being honorably discharged at the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. In the course of her service, she was awarded three Navy and Marine Achievement Awards, and was honored as Junior Sailor of the Quarter in 2000 and Junior Sailor of the Year in 2001. You can read more about Ms. Guzman here[5].

During the inaugural California Non-Profits Day ceremony in Sacramento, I had the honor to recognize Union Station Homeless Services as the 41st Assembly District’s “Non-Profit of the Year,” for their work to relieve hunger and homelessness. With over 40 years of experience, Union Station Homeless Services offers a full continuum of nine programs throughout the San Gabriel Valley including street outreach, assessment, care coordination and navigation, meals, shelter, housing, and employment development. Read more about Union Station Homeless Services here[6].

Dana Bean and Alan Maltun accepting the award on behalf of Union Station Homeless Services.

In July, I was appointed to the California State Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (AD – 63). Serving nearly 24 years on the Pasadena City Council, with a responsibility over the city's water and power, provided me with a strong foundation and understanding of the utility industry and the need to plan our energy future. I thank Speaker Rendon for appointing me to the Committee and appreciate his belief that I will add value in helping to set forward-thinking energy policy for California's future.

In September, I was elected chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) for the 2017-2018 Legislative Session beginning November 10, 2016. I look forward to continuing CLBC efforts to advance equality, justice and opportunity for all Californians. Newly elected lawmakers to the leadership team include Vice Chair, Shirley Weber (AD – 78); Secretary, Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (AD – 54); and Treasurer, Kevin McCarty (AD – 7). You can read more about the CLBC here[7].

In a private ceremony in the Vin Scully Press Box at Dodger Stadium, a few of my colleagues and I presented Assembly Concurrent Resolution 195 to Vincent “Vin” Scully, recognizing his exceptional 67 year-long career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Mr. Scully is a Los Angeles treasure and we are blessed to have witnessed Mr. Scully narrate the game of baseball for so many decades. He served 67 seasons with the Dodgers, making him the longest tenured broadcaster for a single team in professional sports history. To read more about Vin Scully and Assembly Concurrent Resolution 195 click here[8].

On September 10, I invited my Advisory Council members to join me for a pancake breakfast, legislative update, and a lively panel discussion with Dr. Raphael J. Sonenshein, executive director of the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs at Cal State L.A., and Dan Schnur, director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics at USC that was moderated by Larry Wilson, Public Editor of the Pasadena Star-News. Big thanks to Dave Loera and Sierra Madre’s VFW Post 3208 for their assistance with the pancake breakfast.

Living with Urban Wildlife Community Meeting: Coyotes, Bobcats and Bears in Your Backyard!

Please join me in bringing awareness of urban wildlife in our communities and how to live in conjunction with them. Fish and Wildlife experts encourage neighbors to work together to live safely with our wildlife. Find out how in this free public forum. City of Pasadena Humane Society, City of Pasadena Department of Public Works and City of Pasadena Police will be available to answer questions.

Please join me at my district office for my annual Holiday Open House and Shoe Drive. In the spirit of the holidays, we are partnering again with Shoes That Fit, a charity that provides shoes and socks to local children in need. You are invited to make a difference in a child’s life by donating a new pair of athletic shoes or socks in size 10 youth through size 12 adult. While you are here, you can learn about my legislative priorities and more about services offered through my district office.